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Hortal M, Lledo B, Ortiz JA, Fuentes A, García-Ajofrín C, Romero R, Cascales A, Bernabeu A, Bernabeu R. Luteal phase stimulation in double ovarian stimulation cycles is not affected by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor genotype: double ovarian stimulation is beneficial independently of the genotype at position 680 of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2024; 34:1-7. [PMID: 37824400 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0000000000000511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genotype influences the outcome of ovarian stimulation treatment in luteal phase. METHODS A total of 299 patients were included in a retrospective study between July 2017 and December 2021. These patients carried out a double stimulation protocol and the variant Asn680Ser (rs6166; c.2039A>G) of FSH receptor was genotyped either as part of the pre-treatment fertility tests or for the current study. Patients undergoing a double stimulation treatment who could not be genotyped were excluded from this analysis. RESULTS The results obtained from ovarian stimulation in luteal phase were better than those obtained in conventional follicular phase. Statistically significant differences ( P < 0.001) were found in the number of retrieved oocytes (5.47 vs. 4.18), retrieved MII (4.52 vs. 3.29) and fertilised oocytes (3.81 vs. 2.20). Furthermore, these differences remained regardless of the FSH receptor genotype for the 680 position in all groups ( P < 0.05). In addition, stimulation in luteal phase lasts longer and requires more gonadotropins than in follicular phase. This is especially noteworthy in patients with Ser/Ser genotype, who required a slightly higher dose of gonadotropins compared to other genotypes in luteal phase, as previously observed in the follicular phase for this genotype. No significant differences in age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, antral follicle count, BMI and type of trigger used in luteal phase were observed among groups of patients with different FSH receptor genotypes. CONCLUSION All patients undergoing IVF seem to benefit from luteal phase ovarian stimulation, regardless of their FSHR genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ana Fuentes
- Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynaecology, Alicante
| | | | - Ruth Romero
- Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynaecology, Madrid
| | | | - Andrea Bernabeu
- Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynaecology, Alicante
- Cátedra de Medicina Comunitaria y Salud Reproductiva, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - Rafael Bernabeu
- Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynaecology, Alicante
- Cátedra de Medicina Comunitaria y Salud Reproductiva, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
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Seasonal Change in Adiponectin Associated with Ovarian Morphology and Function in Wild Ground Squirrels ( Citellus dauricus Brandt). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314698. [PMID: 36499026 PMCID: PMC9741246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study is to explore the relationship between altered circulating adiponectin concentration, ovarian tissue morphology, ovarian steroidogenesis, and sex hormone production in ovaries of wild ground squirrels. The ovarian mass differed significantly during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, and the circulating estradiol and progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in the breeding season, while the circulating adiponectin level was significantly lower. The expression levels of gonadotropin receptors (FSHR and LHR) and steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, P450scc, P450arom, and 3β-HSD) were significantly higher during the breeding season. Comparing the ovarian transcriptome data of wild ground squirrels between the two periods, we found that some differentially expressed genes were enriched for ovarian steroidogenesis and the adipocytokine signaling pathway, which correlated with our present results. Notably, the MAPK signaling pathway was also enriched and its related genes (Erk1, p38 Mapk, Jnk) were up-regulated by qPCR during the non-breeding season. These findings suggested that adiponectin may be involved in the regulation of seasonal changes in the ovarian function of wild ground squirrels, possibly by acting on the MAPK signaling pathway to regulate sex steroidogenesis in the ovaries.
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Jeong C, Kim J, Lim Y, Ha J, Kim MK, Kwon HS, Song KH, Kang MI, Baek KH. Roles of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone on Bone Metabolism in Late Postmenopausal Women. J Bone Metab 2022; 29:175-183. [PMID: 36153853 PMCID: PMC9511130 DOI: 10.11005/jbm.2022.29.3.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on physiological changes in the bone remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the association between FSH concentrations and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTM) in late postmenopausal women. METHODS A total of 169 Korean women were enrolled. The participants' ages ranged from 60 to 84 years (mean age, 69.0±5.1) and reported a mean duration of 19.4±6.6 years since menopause (YSM). The participants showed an average body mass index (BMI) of 24.4±2.8 kg/m2. Age, YSM, estradiol, testosterone, and BMI were confounders in the Pearson's partial correlation. A test for trends across the quartiles of FSH levels was performed for each variable. RESULTS The mean FSH and estradiol concentrations were 61.5 IU/L and 2.9 pg/mL, respectively. Serum FSH concentration was not significantly associated with BMD (lumbar, r=0.09, P=0.30; total hip, r=0.00, P=0.96; and femoral neck, r=0.05, P=0.62). BTM across the FSH quartiles did not show any trend association (bone-specific alkaline phosphate, P=0.31; crosslinked C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, P=0.90). Instead, FSH levels were negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.34, P=0.00). In the multivariate regression model adjusted for age, testosterone, and estradiol, only BMI showed a negative value across the FSH quartiles (β coefficient -0.11, P=0.00). CONCLUSIONS This study identified that high FSH concentrations were not associated with bone loss or high bone turnover in women in the late postmenopausal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaiho Jeong
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yejee Lim
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Ha
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mee Kyoung Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyuk-Sang Kwon
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-Ho Song
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moo Il Kang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-Hyun Baek
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Buratini J, Dellaqua TT, Dal Canto M, La Marca A, Carone D, Mignini Renzini M, Webb R. The putative roles of FSH and AMH in the regulation of oocyte developmental competence: from fertility prognosis to mechanisms underlying age-related subfertility. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:232-254. [PMID: 34969065 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility loss during female ageing is associated with increasing basal FSH and decreasing anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, together with compromised oocyte quality, presumably due to increased oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage, as well as reduced metabolic and meiotic competences. Basal FSH and AMH circulatory concentrations have been broadly utilized as IVF success predictors, regardless of fluctuations in prognostic accuracy; basal FSH and AMH perform better in pre-advanced maternal age (AMA: >35 years) and AMA patients, respectively. The relationships between FSH and AMH intrafollicular levels and IVF outcomes suggest, nevertheless, that both hormones regulate oocyte competence, supporting the hypothesis that changes in FSH/AMH levels cause, at least in part, oocyte quality degradation during ageing. To understand the reasons behind the fluctuations in FSH and AMH prognostic accuracies and to clarify their participation in mechanisms determining oocyte competence and age-related subfertility, a deeper knowledge of the regulation of FSH and AMH intrafollicular signalling during the female reproductive lifespan, and of their effects on the cumulus-oocyte complex, is required. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE An extensive body of information on the regulation of FSH and AMH intrafollicular availability and signalling, as well as on the control of folliculogenesis and oocyte metabolism, has been accumulated. However, these datasets have been explored within the relatively narrow boundaries of their specific subjects. Given the aforementioned gaps in knowledge and their clinical relevance, herein we integrate clinical and basic data, within a wide biological perspective, aiming to shed light on (i) the reasons for the variability in the accuracy of serum FSH and AMH as fertility markers, and on (ii) the potential roles of these hormones in mechanisms regulating oocyte quality, particularly those associated with ageing. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database encompassing the period between 1960 and 2021 was searched. Principal search terms were FSH, FSH receptor, AMH, oocyte, maternal age, cumulus, transzonal projections (TZPs), actin, OS, redox, reactive oxygen species, mitochondria, DNA damage, DNA repair, aneuploidy, spindle, meiosis, gene expression, transcription, translation, oocyte secreted factors (OSFs), cAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, natriuretic peptide C, growth differentiation factor 9, bone morphogenetic protein 15 and fibroblast growth factor. OUTCOMES Our analysis suggests that variations in the accuracy of fertility prognosis reflect a modest association between circulatory AMH levels and oocyte quality as well as increasing basal FSH inter-cycle variability with age. In addition, the basic and clinical data articulated herein support the hypothesis that increased intrafollicular FSH levels, as maternal age advances, may override the physiological protective influences of AMH and OSFs against excessive FSH signalling in cumulus cells. This would result in the disruption of oocyte homeostasis via reduced TZP-mediated transfer of cumulus-derived molecules essential for meiotic competence, gene expression, redox activity and DNA repair. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In-depth data analysis, encompassing a wide biological perspective has revealed potential causative mechanisms of age-related subfertility triggered by alterations in FSH/AMH signalling during the female reproductive life. Insights from new mechanistic models arising from this analysis should contribute to advancing our comprehension of oocyte biology in humans and serve as a valuable reference for novel AMA subfertility treatments aimed at improving oocyte quality through the modulation of AMH/FSH action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy.,Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy.,Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Thaisy Tino Dellaqua
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Mariabeatrice Dal Canto
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy.,Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Mario Mignini Renzini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre-Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy.,Clinica Eugin Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Robert Webb
- Division of Animal Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
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Bakhtyukov AA, Derkach KV, Sorokoumov VN, Stepochkina AM, Romanova IV, Morina IY, Zakharova IO, Bayunova LV, Shpakov AO. The Effects of Separate and Combined Treatment of Male Rats with Type 2 Diabetes with Metformin and Orthosteric and Allosteric Agonists of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor on Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:198. [PMID: 35008624 PMCID: PMC8745465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis are impaired. Metformin and the agonists of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)-receptor (LH/hCG-R) (hCG, low-molecular-weight allosteric LH/hCG-R-agonists) can be used to restore them. The aim was to study effectiveness of separate and combined administration of metformin, hCG and 5-amino-N-tert-butyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)-4-(3-(nicotinamido)phenyl)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxamide (TP3) on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in male rats with T2DM. hCG (15 IU/rat/day) and TP3 (15 mg/kg/day) were injected in the last five days of five-week metformin treatment (120 mg/kg/day). Metformin improved testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and restored LH/hCG-R-expression. Compared to control, in T2DM, hCG stimulated steroidogenesis and StAR-gene expression less effectively and, after five-day administration, reduced LH/hCG-R-expression, while TP3 effects changed weaker. In co-administration of metformin and LH/hCG-R-agonists, on the first day, stimulating effects of LH/hCG-R-agonists on testosterone levels and hCG-stimulated expression of StAR- and CYP17A1-genes were increased, but on the 3-5th day, they disappeared. This was due to reduced LH/hCG-R-gene expression and increased aromatase-catalyzed estradiol production. With co-administration, LH/hCG-R-agonists did not contribute to improving spermatogenesis, induced by metformin. Thus, in T2DM, metformin and LH/hCG-R-agonists restore steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, with metformin being more effective in restoring spermatogenesis, and their co-administration improves LH/hCG-R-agonist-stimulating testicular steroidogenesis in acute but not chronic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey A. Bakhtyukov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Kira V. Derkach
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Viktor N. Sorokoumov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna M. Stepochkina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Irina V. Romanova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Irina Yu. Morina
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Irina O. Zakharova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Liubov V. Bayunova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
| | - Alexander O. Shpakov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.A.B.); (K.V.D.); (V.N.S.); (A.M.S.); (I.V.R.); (I.Y.M.); (I.O.Z.); (L.V.B.)
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Panza S, Giordano F, De Rose D, Panno ML, De Amicis F, Santoro M, Malivindi R, Rago V, Aquila S. FSH-R Human Early Male Genital Tract, Testicular Tumors and Sperm: Its Involvement in Testicular Disorders. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10120336. [PMID: 33317204 PMCID: PMC7764367 DOI: 10.3390/life10120336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) expression was always considered human gonad-specific. The receptor has also been newly detected in extragonadal tissues. In this finding, we evaluated FSH-R expression in the human male early genital tract, in testicular tumors, and in sperm from healthy and varicocele patients. In sperm, we also studied the mechanism of FSH-R action. Immunohystochemistry and Western blot analysis showed FSH-R presence in the first pathways of the human genital tract, in embryonal carcinoma, and in sperm, but it was absent in seminoma and in lower varicocele. In sperm, FSH/FSH-R activity is mediated by G proteins activating the PKA pathway, as we observed by using the H89. It emerged that increasing FSH treatments induced motility, survival, capacitation, and acrosome reaction in both sperm samples. The different FSH-R expression in tumor testicular tissues may be discriminate by tumor histological type. In spermatozoa, FSH-R indicates a direct action of FSH in these cells, which could be beneficial during semen preparation for in vitro fertilization procedures. For instance, FSH positive effects could be relevant in idiopathic infertility and in the clinic surgery of varicocele. In conclusion, FSH-R expression may be considered a molecular marker of testicular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Panza
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Daniela De Rose
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Panno
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marta Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rocco Malivindi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-09-8449-6210; Fax: +39-09-8449-3271
| | - Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (S.P.); (F.G.); (D.D.R.); (M.L.P.); (F.D.A.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria—Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
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7
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Karl KR, Jimenez-Krassel F, Gibbings E, Ireland JLH, Clark ZL, Tempelman RJ, Latham KE, Ireland JJ. Negative impact of high doses of follicle-stimulating hormone during superovulation on the ovulatory follicle function in small ovarian reserve dairy heifers†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:695-705. [PMID: 33205153 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
When women with small ovarian reserves are subjected to assisted reproductive technologies, high doses of gonadotropins are linked to high oocyte and embryo wastage and low live birth rates. We hypothesized that excessive follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) doses during superovulation are detrimental to ovulatory follicle function in individuals with a small ovarian reserve. To test this hypothesis, heifers with small ovarian reserves were injected twice daily for 4 days, beginning on Day 1 of the estrous cycle with 35, 70, 140, or 210 IU doses of Folltropin-V (FSH). Each heifer (n = 8) was superovulated using a Williams Latin Square Design. During each superovulation regimen, three prostaglandin F2α injections were given at 12-h interval, starting at the seventh FSH injection to regress the newly formed corpus luteum (CL). Human chorionic gonadotropin was injected 12 h after the last (8th) FSH injection to induce ovulation. Daily ultrasonography and blood sampling were used to determine the number and size of follicles and corpora lutea, uterine thickness, and circulating concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The highest doses of FSH did not increase AMH, progesterone, number of ovulatory-size follicles, uterine thickness, or number of CL. However, estradiol production and ovulation rate were lower for heifers given high FSH doses compared to lower doses, indicating detrimental effects on ovulatory follicle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Karl
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Fermin Jimenez-Krassel
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Emily Gibbings
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Janet L H Ireland
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Zaramasina L Clark
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Robert J Tempelman
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Keith E Latham
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - James J Ireland
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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8
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Antral follicular count and its relationship with ovarian volume, preantral follicle population and survival, oocyte meiotic progression and ultrastructure of in vitro matured bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:495-503. [PMID: 32811580 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between antral follicular count (AFC) and ovarian volume (OV), preantral follicular population and survival, meiotic progression and ultrastructure of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) after in vitro maturation. In experiment 1, the relationship between AFC and preantral follicle population and survival was evaluated by classical histology. In experiment 2, the relationship among AFC, OV, ability of oocytes to resume meiosis and ultrastructure of in vitro matured bovine COCs was studied. A positive correlation (P < 0.05) between AFC and the numbers of healthy primordial, degenerate and total follicles was observed, as well as with healthy secondary follicles and total follicles. The numbers of grades I and II oocytes in ovaries of high AFC class were higher compared with those with intermediate or lower AFC. After in vitro maturation, COCs from ovaries of high AFC had a higher percentage of oocytes in metaphase II compared with those of intermediate and low AFC (P < 0.0001). Ovaries of intermediate AFC had a higher percentage of oocytes in metaphase II compared with ovaries with low AFC (P < 0.0001). The proportion of oocytes in metaphase I, telophase I and anaphase I in COCs from ovaries of intermediate AFC (26.04%) was higher (P < 0.05) compared with that seen in COCs of ovaries with high (8.55%) and low (14.15%) AFC. No differences in the ultrastructure of oocytes were seen. In conclusion, after in vitro maturation, cow ovaries with high AFC have higher numbers of oocytes that reach in metaphase II (MII), but they also have higher numbers of degenerated primordial and primary follicles.
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Xie Y, Zhang K, Zhang K, Zhang J, Wang L, Wang X, Hu X, Liang Z, Li J. Toll-like receptors and high mobility group box 1 in granulosa cells during bovine follicle maturation. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3447-3462. [PMID: 31544976 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are present in the ovaries and reproductive tract of various mammals. The biological function of TLR during ovulation is one of the main contents in the research of reproductive immunology. In this study, we found that messenger RNA levels of TLR1-TLR10 in granulosa cells were different, and TLRs and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in granulosa cells of large follicles were significantly higher than those of small and middle follicles. Coimmunoprecipitation results showed that HMGB1 interacts with TLR2 in granulosa cells, especially large follicles. The result of immunohistochemistry showed that TLRs and HMGB1 were present in granulosa cell layer of ovarian follicles. We also found 25 mIU/ml follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) significantly upregulated the expression of TLRs and HMGB1. These results suggest that TLR2/4 and HMGB1 in granulosa cells may be involved in the ovarian innate immune and ovarian follicular maturation, regulated by FSH. However, further research of the function and mechanisms of TLRs and HMGB1 in granulosa cells are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Xie
- Engineering & Technology Research Center of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Engineering & Technology Research Center of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Engineering & Technology Research Center of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingyan Zhang
- Engineering & Technology Research Center of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Engineering & Technology Research Center of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xurong Wang
- Engineering & Technology Research Center of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuequan Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zijing Liang
- Engineering & Technology Research Center of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianxi Li
- Engineering & Technology Research Center of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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10
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Abstract
The glycoprotein follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) acts on gonadal target cells, hence regulating gametogenesis. The transduction of the hormone-induced signal is mediated by the FSH-specific G protein-coupled receptor (FSHR), of which the action relies on the interaction with a number of intracellular effectors. The stimulatory Gαs protein is a long-time known transducer of FSH signaling, mainly leading to intracellular cAMP increase and protein kinase A (PKA) activation, the latter acting as a master regulator of cell metabolism and sex steroid production. While in vivo data clearly demonstrate the relevance of PKA activation in mediating gametogenesis by triggering proliferative signals, some in vitro data suggest that pro-apoptotic pathways may be awakened as a "dark side" of cAMP/PKA-dependent steroidogenesis, in certain conditions. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are players of death signals in steroidogenic cells, involving downstream p53 and caspases. Although it could be hypothesized that pro-apoptotic signals, if relevant, may be required for regulating atresia of non-dominant ovarian follicles, they should be transient and counterbalanced by mitogenic signals upon FSHR interaction with opposing transducers, such as Gαi proteins and β-arrestins. These molecules modulate the steroidogenic pathway via extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), calcium signaling and other intracellular signaling effectors, resulting in a complex and dynamic signaling network characterizing sex- and stage-specific gamete maturation. Even if the FSH-mediated signaling network is not yet entirely deciphered, its full comprehension is of high physiological and clinical relevance due to the crucial role covered by the hormone in regulating human development and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Livio Casarini
| | - Pascale Crépieux
- PRC, UMR INRA0085, CNRS 7247, Centre INRA Val de Loire, Nouzilly, France
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11
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Estrogen Modulates Specific Life and Death Signals Induced by LH and hCG in Human Primary Granulosa Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18050926. [PMID: 28452938 PMCID: PMC5454839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are glycoprotein hormones used for assisted reproduction acting on the same receptor (LHCGR) and mediating different intracellular signaling. We evaluated the pro- and anti-apoptotic effect of 100 pM LH or hCG, in the presence or in the absence of 200 pg/mL 17β-estradiol, in long-term, serum-starved human primary granulosa cells (hGLC) and a transfected granulosa cell line overexpressing LHCGR (hGL5/LHCGR). To this purpose, phospho-extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2), protein kinase B (pAKT), cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB) activation and procaspase 3 cleavage were evaluated over three days by Western blotting, along with the expression of target genes by real-time PCR and cell viability by colorimetric assay. We found that LH induced predominant pERK1/2 and pAKT activation STARD1, CCND2 and anti-apoptotic XIAP gene expression, while hCG mediated more potent CREB phosphorylation, expression of CYP19A1 and procaspase 3 cleavage than LH. Cell treatment by LH is accompanied by increased (serum-starved) cell viability, while hCG decreased the number of viable cells. The hCG-specific, pro-apoptotic effect was blocked by a physiological dose of 17β-estradiol, resulting in pAKT activation, lack of procaspase 3 cleavage and increased cell viability. These results confirm that relatively high levels of steroidogenic pathway activation are linked to pro-apoptotic signals in vitro, which may be counteracted by other factors, i.e., estrogens.
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12
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Mossa F, Jimenez-Krassel F, Scheetz D, Weber-Nielsen M, Evans ACO, Ireland JJ. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and fertility management in agricultural species. Reproduction 2017; 154:R1-R11. [PMID: 28356501 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A reliable, easy to assess marker for fertility in agricultural species would be highly desirable and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a promising candidate. This review summarizes recent findings concerning AMH and its role in fertility management, mainly in cattle. It focuses on (1) alterations in circulating AMH concentrations from birth to puberty and during estrous cycles; (2) correlation of circulating AMH concentrations with ovarian follicle numbers and ovarian reserve; (3) factors that impact circulating AMH concentrations; (4) use of AMH as a predictor of fertility. Circulating AMH concentrations can be easily and reliably measured with a single blood sample in adult cattle because AMH varies minimally during the estrous cycle and is repeatable across multiple cycles. Circulating AMH concentrations are positively associated with several measures of fertility. Dairy heifers with low compared with higher AMH concentrations subsequently had lower pregnancy rates, higher probability of being culled after birth of their first calf and shorter herd longevity. Also, AMH is predictive of response to superovulation in cattle and sheep. Several factors contribute to the variability in AMH concentrations among individuals; for example, beef cattle have higher AMH than dairy cattle. Nutritional imbalances, disease and endocrine disruptors during fetal life may negatively program the size of the ovarian reserve and consequently serum AMH concentrations and potential fertility in adulthood. We conclude that AMH may be a predictor of fertility and herd longevity in cattle, whereas in sheep and other farm species, the potential association between AMH and reproductive performance remains largely unexplored.Free Italian abstract: An Italian translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/154/1/R1/suppl/DC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Mossa
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - F Jimenez-Krassel
- Department of Animal ScienceMichigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - D Scheetz
- Department of Animal ScienceMichigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - M Weber-Nielsen
- Department of Animal ScienceMichigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - A C O Evans
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J J Ireland
- Department of Animal ScienceMichigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Casarini L, Reiter E, Simoni M. β-arrestins regulate gonadotropin receptor-mediated cell proliferation and apoptosis by controlling different FSHR or LHCGR intracellular signaling in the hGL5 cell line. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 437:11-21. [PMID: 27502035 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin signaling classically involves proliferative, steroidogenic and apoptotic stimuli. In this study, we used the human granulosa cell line hGL5 to demonstrate how follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) differently control proliferative or apoptotic signals, revealing novel intrinsic properties of their receptors (FSHR, LHCGR). We found that, in this tumor-like cell line, the expression of endogenous FSHR and LHCGR is serum-dependent, but both receptors were unable to activate the canonical cAMP/PKA pathway upon gonadotropin stimulation, failing to produce cAMP, progesterone and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated apoptosis in vitro. Conversely, ligand treatment resulted in FSHR- and LHCGR-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation due to receptor coupling to β-arrestins. The inactive cAMP/PKA pathway was unlocked by siRNA-mediated knock-down of β-arrestin 1 and 2, leading to progesterone synthesis and apoptosis. Surprisingly, FSH, but not LH treatment accelerated the cAMP/PKA-mediated apoptosis after β-arrestin silencing, an effect which could be reproduced by overexpressing the FSHR, but not the LHCGR. This work demonstrates that the expression of FSHR and LHCGR can be induced in hGL5 cells but that the FSHR-dependent cAMP/PKA pathway is constitutively silenced, possibly to protect cells from FSHR-cAMP-PKA-induced apoptosis. Also, we revealed previously unrecognized features intrinsic to the two structurally similar gonadotropin receptors, oppositely resulting in the regulation of life and death signals in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Eric Reiter
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Azienda USL, NOCSAE, Modena, Italy
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14
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Bastu E, Buyru F, Ozsurmeli M, Demiral I, Dogan M, Yeh J. A randomized, single-blind, prospective trial comparing three different gonadotropin doses with or without addition of letrozole during ovulation stimulation in patients with poor ovarian response. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 203:30-4. [PMID: 27236602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to investigate whether IVF outcomes would differ between patients with POR who received three different gonadotropin doses with or without the addition of letrozole during ovulation stimulation. STUDY DESIGN Only those who fulfilled two of the three Bologna criteria were included to the study. 95 patients met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. In the first group, 31 patients were treated with 450IU gonadotropins. In the second group, 31 patients were treated with 300IU gonadotropins. The third group comprised 33 patients and was treated with 150IU gonadotropins in combination with letrozole. RESULTS The results indicate that differences in doses of hMG and rFSH in patients with POR result in a similar number of retrieved MII and fertilized oocytes, similar fertilization rates, number of transferred embryos, implantation, cancelation, chemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates. CONCLUSIONS Increasing the dose of gonadotropins during ovulation stimulation is an intuitively appealing approach when the patient is a poor responder. However, increasing the dose does not necessarily improve the reproductive outcome. Using a mild stimulation with addition of letrozole was as effective as stimulation with higher doses of gonadotropins alone in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ercan Bastu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Faruk Buyru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozsurmeli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irem Demiral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Dogan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - John Yeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Casarini L, Riccetti L, De Pascali F, Nicoli A, Tagliavini S, Trenti T, La Sala GB, Simoni M. Follicle-stimulating hormone potentiates the steroidogenic activity of chorionic gonadotropin and the anti-apoptotic activity of luteinizing hormone in human granulosa-lutein cells in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 422:103-114. [PMID: 26690776 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and choriogonadotropin (hCG) are glycoprotein hormones regulating ovarian function and pregnancy, respectively. Since these molecules act on the same receptor (LHCGR), they were traditionally assumed as equivalent in assisted reproduction techniques (ART), although differences between LH and hCG were demonstrated at molecular and physiological level. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that co-treatment with a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) dose in the ART therapeutic range potentiates different LH- and hCG-dependent responses in vitro, measured in terms of cAMP, phospho-CREB, -ERK1/2 and -AKT activation, gene expression, progesterone and estradiol production in human granulosa-lutein cells (hGLC). We show that in the presence of FSH, hCG biopotency is about 5-fold increased, in the presence of FSH, in terms of cAMP activation. Accordingly, CREB phosphorylation and steroid production is increased under hCG and FSH co-treatment. LH effects, evaluated as steroidogenic cAMP/PKA pathway activation, do not change in the presence of FSH, which, however, increases LH-dependent ERK1/2 and AKT, but not CREB phosphorylation, resulting in anti-apoptotic effects. The different modulatory activity of FSH on LH and hCG action in vitro corresponds to their different physiological functions, reflecting proliferative effects exerted by LH during the follicular phase and before trophoblast development, and the high steroidogenic potential of hCG requested to sustain pregnancy from the luteal phase onwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for the Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco De Pascali
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanni Battista La Sala
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Dept. of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for the Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Dept. of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, Azienda USL, Modena, Italy
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16
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Lüttgenau J, Möller B, Kradolfer D, Wellnitz O, Bruckmaier RM, Miyamoto A, Ulbrich SE, Bollwein H. Lipopolysaccharide enhances apoptosis of corpus luteum in isolated perfused bovine ovaries in vitro. Reproduction 2016; 151:17-28. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria, has detrimental effects on the structure and function of bovine corpus luteum (CL)in vivo. The objective was to investigate whether these effects were mediated directly by LPS orviaLPS-induced release of PGF2α. Bovine ovaries with a mid-cycle CL were collected immediately after slaughter and isolated perfused for 240 min. After 60 min of equilibration, LPS (0.5 μg/ml) was added to the medium of five ovaries, whereas an additional six ovaries were not treated with LPS (control). After 210 min of perfusion, all ovaries were treated with 500 iu of hCG. In the effluent perfusate, concentrations of progesterone (P4) and PGF2αwere measured every 10 and 30 min, respectively. Punch biopsies of the CL were collected every 60 min and used for RT-qPCR to evaluate mRNA expression of receptors for LPS (TLR2,-4) and LH (LHCGR); the cytokineTNFA; steroidogenic (STAR,HSD3B), angiogenic (VEGFA121,FGF2), and vasoactive (EDN1) factors; and factors of prostaglandin synthesis (PGES,PGFS,PTGFR) and apoptosis (CASP3,-8,-9). Treatment with LPS abolished the hCG-induced increase in P4(P≤0.05); however, there was a tendency (P=0.10) for increased release of PGF2αat 70 min after LPS challenge. Furthermore, mRNA abundance ofTLR2,TNFA,CASP3,CASP8,PGES,PGFS, andVEGFA121increased (P≤0.05) after LPS treatment, whereas all other factors remained unchanged (P>0.05). In conclusion, reduced P4responsiveness to hCG in LPS-treated ovariesin vitrowas not due to reduced steroidogenesis, but was attributed to enhanced apoptosis. However, an impact of luteal PGF2αcould not be excluded.
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17
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Baker VL, Brown MB, Luke B, Smith GW, Ireland JJ. Gonadotropin dose is negatively correlated with live birth rate: analysis of more than 650,000 assisted reproductive technology cycles. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1145-52.e1-5. [PMID: 26297646 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.07.1151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the correlation between total gonadotropin dose and live birth rate. DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) A total of 658,519 fresh autologous cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) reported to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology from 2004 to 2012. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Logistic regression models were fitted to live birth rates with the use of categorized values for total FSH dose and number of oocytes retrieved as the primary predictor variables. To reduce the effect of the most significant confounders that may lead physicians to prescribe higher doses of FSH, additional analyses were performed limited to good-prognosis patients (<35 years of age, body mass index <30 kg/m(2), and no diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve, endometriosis, or ovulatory disorder) and including duration of gonadotropin treatment. RESULT(S) Live birth rate significantly decreased with increasing FSH dose, regardless of the number of oocytes retrieved. The statistically significant decrease in live birth rate with increasing FSH dose remained in patients with good prognosis, and regardless of female age, except for women aged ≥ 35 years with 1-5 oocytes retrieved. CONCLUSION(S) This analysis suggests that physicians may wish to avoid prescribing a high dose of FSH. However, the results of this study do not justify the use of minimal-stimulation or natural-cycle IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - George W Smith
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - James J Ireland
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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18
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Asraf H, Amsterdam A, Ben-Menahem D. Modulation of the steroidogenic related activity according to the design of single-chain bovine FSH analogs. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 216:171-81. [PMID: 25863346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Single-chain (SC) gonadotropins have been genetically engineered to increase the repertoire of analogs for potential use in humans and domestic animals. The major aim of the current study was to examine the steroidogenic related activity of SC FSH analogs carrying structural differences. To address this issue, we designed and expressed three SC bovine FSH analogs in CHO cells: (i) FSHβα in which the tethered subunit domains are linked in tandem; (ii) FSHβCTPα that contains the carboxy terminal peptide (CTP) of the human choriogonadotropin (hCG) β subunit as a spacer, and (iii) FSHβboCTPα in which the linker is derived from a CTP-like sequence (boCTP) decoded from the bovine LHβ DNA. The data suggested that the secretion efficiency of these variants from the transfected cells was unaffected by the presence or absence of the CTP linker, N-glycans were attached to the analogs and the hCGβ-CTP domain in the FSHβCTPα variant was O-glycosylated. In a rat immortalized granulosa cell bioassay the potency of the three variants towards progesterone secretion varied. In immature mice, the analogs increased the ovary weight and induced StAR, Cyp11a (P450scc), Cyp17 (P450c17) and Cyp19 (P450aromatase) transcripts. However, the dose dependence and amplitude of these transcript levels differed in response to FSHβα, FSHβboCTPα and FSHβCTPα. Collectively, these data suggest that the design of the FSH analog can modulate the bioactivity in vitro and in vivo. A systematic analysis of receptor activation with ligands carrying structural differences may identify new regulatory factor/s involved in the pleiotropic FSH activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Asraf
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Abraham Amsterdam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David Ben-Menahem
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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19
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Casarini L, Moriondo V, Marino M, Adversi F, Capodanno F, Grisolia C, La Marca A, La Sala GB, Simoni M. FSHR polymorphism p.N680S mediates different responses to FSH in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 393:83-91. [PMID: 24970684 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The single nucleotide polymorphism p.N680S of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor (FSHR) is a discrete marker of ovarian response but previous in vitro studies failed to demonstrate differences in the response to FSH between N and S carrier cells. Here we demonstrate that p.N680S mediates different kinetics of the response to FSH in vitro. Intracellular cAMP production is faster in p.N680S N than in S homozygous human granulosa cells (45 versus 90 min to achieve the plateau, respectively; Mann-Whitney's U-test; p < 0.005; n = 4). Reflecting the cAMP kinetics, phospho-ERK1/2 and -CREB activation, AREG and STARD1 gene expressions and progesterone production were qualitatively and quantitatively different in N versus S homozygous cells. Finally, the blockade of ERK pathway by U0126 abolishes the genotype-mediated different effects on gene expression and progesterone production (Mann-Whitney's U-test; p ≥ 0.005; n = 3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Valeria Moriondo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Adversi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Capodanno
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Chiarina Grisolia
- Dept. of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Laboratory of Chemical-Clinical Analysis, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Dept. of Medical and Mother-Infant and Adult Surgical Sciences, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista La Sala
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy; Dept. of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Azienda USL, Modena, Italy
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20
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Abstract
One of the most vexing challenges in the practice of reproductive medicine is the management of the "poor responder," specifically the patient manifesting an inadequate follicular response to ovarian stimulation. Poor response predicts a reduction in the number of mature oocytes retrieved, with the consequences of fewer embryos available for selection and transfer, reduced pregnancy rates, and a markedly decreased likelihood of residual embryos for cryopreservation. This chapter reviews the definition and prediction of poor response and discusses strategies that have been developed and incorporated into the reproductive endocrinologist's clinical armamentarium in an effort to optimize outcomes for these women. It should be stated at the outset that no single approach is successful for all patients, and that there is currently no firm clinical consensus regarding the relative efficacy of the different stimulation protocols. This arises in part due to inconsistency regarding the definition of what constitutes a poor response and a paucity of well-designed, randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen K Davis
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, 1305 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10021, USA,
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21
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Pfeiffer KE, Jury LJ, Larson JE. Determination of anti-Müllerian hormone at estrus during a synchronized and a natural bovine estrous cycle. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2014; 46:58-64. [PMID: 24211073 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been correlated with phenotypic indicators of fertility. However, the effects of exogenous hormones used during estrus synchronization on AMH have not been evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine whether concentrations of AMH at estrus are similar between a synchronized compared with a natural estrous cycle. Nulliparous dairy and beef heifers (n = 68) were synchronized with the Select Synch + controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol (GnRH + CIDR-7 d-CIDR removal + PG). Heifers were observed for expression of estrus every 6 h until 84 h after the injection of PG. Visual detection of the subsequent estrus, considered natural estrus, occurred every 6 h from day 16 to 24 after synchronized estrus. At the time of standing estrus, ovarian structures in heifers were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected at estrus for analysis of concentrations of AMH during the synchronized and natural estrous cycles. The GLM and CORR procedures of SAS were used to analyze data. Concentrations of AMH between natural and synchronized estrus were positively correlated (r = 0.67; P < 0.001). Mean concentration of AMH did not differ (P > 0.05) between the natural (0.0543 ± 0.0076 ng/mL) or synchronized (0.0428 ± 0.0076 ng/mL) estrous cycles. In conclusion, concentrations of AMH were similar between natural and synchronized estrous cycles. Concentrations of AMH in natural and synchronized estrous cycles were highly correlated within individual heifers and varied among heifers with beef heifers having increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of AMH compared with dairy heifers (0.0638 ± 0.01 and 0.0402 ± 0.01 ng/mL, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Pfeiffer
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - L J Jury
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - J E Larson
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
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22
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Sun C, He M, Ko WKW, Wong AOL. Gene expression of luteinizing hormone receptor in carp somatotrophs differentially regulated by local action of gonadotropin and dopamine D1 receptor activation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 374:22-34. [PMID: 23603402 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In grass carp, luteinizing hormone (LH) can act locally within the pituitary to regulate growth hormone expression. To test if LH receptor (LHR) expression in the carp pituitary can also serve as a target of modulation for LH actions, grass carp LHR was cloned and characterized by functional expression. In carp pituitary cells, LHR mRNA (lhr) level could be reduced by LH or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) but up-regulated by dopamine treatment. Dopamine-induced lhr expression occurred mainly in carp somatotrophs via the cAMP/PKA pathway coupled to pituitary D1 receptors. This stimulatory effect could be blocked by LHR activation by hCG, presumably through phosphodiesterase III activation. These findings provide evidence that lhr expression in the carp pituitary is under the differential control of LH and dopamine via modification of cAMP-dependent signaling mechanisms, which may play a role in regulating somatotroph responsiveness to the paracrine action of LH in carp species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Sun
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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23
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Liu KC, Ge W. Evidence for gating roles of protein kinase A and protein kinase C in estradiol-induced luteinizing hormone receptor (lhcgr) expression in zebrafish ovarian follicle cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62524. [PMID: 23658740 PMCID: PMC3643932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) stimulates luteinizing hormone receptor (lhcgr) expression in zebrafish follicle cells via nuclear estrogen receptors (nERs) that are likely expressed on the membrane, and lhcgr responds to E2 in a biphasic manner during 24-h treatment. These observations raise an interesting question on the signaling mechanism underlying E2 regulation, in particular the biphasic response of lhcgr expression. In the present study, we demonstrated that E2 regulation of lhcgr was significantly influenced by the activity of cAMP-PKA pathway. Activation of cAMP-PKA pathway by forskolin or db-cAMP suppressed E2-stimulated lhcgr expression in short-term (3 h) but enhanced its effect in long-term (24 h), suggesting differential roles of PKA at these two phases of lhcgr response. PKA inhibitor H89 showed reversed effects. In contrast, PKC pathway had consistent permissive effect on E2-induced lhcgr expression as evidenced by strong inhibition of E2 effect by PKC inhibitors GF109203X and Ro-31-8220 at both 3 and 24 h. One of the mechanisms by which PKA and PKC gated E2 effect might be through regulating nERs, particularly esr2a. Despite the strong influence of PKA and PKC, our data did not suggest direct mediating roles for these two pathways in E2 stimulation of lhcgr expression; yet they likely play critical gating roles in E2 signal transduction. As a follow-up study to our previous report on E2 regulation of gonadotropin receptors in the zebrafish ovary, the present study provides further evidence for the involvement of classical intracellular signal transduction pathways in E2 stimulation of lhcgr expression in the follicle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Cheuk Liu
- School of Life Sciences and Centre for Cell and Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Ge
- School of Life Sciences and Centre for Cell and Developmental Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail:
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Alves AMCV, Chaves RN, Rocha RMP, Lima LF, Andrade PM, Lopes CAP, Souza CEA, Moura AAA, Campello CC, Báo SN, Smitz J, Figueiredo JR. Dynamic medium containing growth differentiation factor-9 and FSH maintains survival and promotes in vitro growth of caprine preantral follicles after long-term in vitro culture. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:955-65. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) and FSH on the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles cultured for 16 days. Ovarian fragments were cultured in αMEM+ (α-minimum essential medium, pH 7.2–7.4, 10 μg mL–1 insulin, 5.5 μg mL–1 transferrin, 5.0 ng mL–1 selenium, 2 mM glutamine, 2 mM hypoxanthine and 1.25 mg mL–1 bovine serum albumin) in the absence or presence of 200 ng mL–1 GDF-9 and/or 50 ng mL–1 FSH added during the first (Days 0–8) and/or second (Days 8–16) half of the culture period. Non-cultured and cultured fragments were processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses. After 16 days, all treatments using GDF-9 or FSH showed higher rates of follicular survival compared with αMEM+ alone. Compared with non-cultured control, sequential culture media containing GDF-9 and/or FSH significantly increased the percentage of developing follicles and follicle diameter. Moreover, a progressive increase in oocyte diameter was observed only with sequential culture medium containing GDF-9 until Day 8 followed by FSH (GDF-9/FSH) in the second half of the culture period. After 16 days of culture, ultrastructural analysis confirmed the integrity of follicles cultured in the presence of GDF-9/FSH. In conclusion, a dynamic medium containing GDF-9 and FSH (GDF-9/FSH) maintained follicular integrity and promoted activation of primordial follicles and growth during long-term in vitro culture of goat preantral follicles.
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Casarini L, Lispi M, Longobardi S, Milosa F, La Marca A, Tagliasacchi D, Pignatti E, Simoni M. LH and hCG action on the same receptor results in quantitatively and qualitatively different intracellular signalling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46682. [PMID: 23071612 PMCID: PMC3465272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human luteinizing hormone (hLH) and chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) act on the same receptor (LHCGR) but it is not known whether they elicit the same cellular and molecular response. This study compares for the first time the activation of cell-signalling pathways and gene expression in response to hLH and hCG. Using recombinant hLH and recombinant hCG we evaluated the kinetics of cAMP production in COS-7 and hGL5 cells permanently expressing LHCGR (COS-7/LHCGR, hGL5/LHCGR), as well as cAMP, ERK1/2, AKT activation and progesterone production in primary human granulosa cells (hGLC). The expression of selected target genes was measured in the presence or absence of ERK- or AKT-pathways inhibitors. In COS-7/LHCGR cells, hCG is 5-fold more potent than hLH (cAMP ED50: 107.1±14.3 pM and 530.0±51.2 pM, respectively). hLH maximal effect was significantly faster (10 minutes by hLH; 1 hour by hCG). In hGLC continuous exposure to equipotent doses of gonadotropins up to 36 hours revealed that intracellular cAMP production is oscillating and significantly higher by hCG versus hLH. Conversely, phospho-ERK1/2 and -AKT activation was more potent and sustained by hLH versus hCG. ERK1/2 and AKT inhibition removed the inhibitory effect on NRG1 (neuregulin) expression by hLH but not by hCG; ERK1/2 inhibition significantly increased hLH- but not hCG-stimulated CYP19A1 (aromatase) expression. We conclude that: i) hCG is more potent on cAMP production, while hLH is more potent on ERK and AKT activation; ii) hGLC respond to equipotent, constant hLH or hCG stimulation with a fluctuating cAMP production and progressive progesterone secretion; and iii) the expression of hLH and hCG target genes partly involves the activation of different pathways depending on the ligand. Therefore, the LHCGR is able to differentiate the activity of hLH and hCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Lispi
- Medical Liaison Office, Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabiola Milosa
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Mother-Infant Department, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniela Tagliasacchi
- Mother-Infant Department, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Pignatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Azienda USL di Modena, Modena, Italy
- * E-mail:
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26
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Maymó JL, Pérez Pérez A, Maskin B, Dueñas JL, Calvo JC, Sánchez Margalet V, Varone CL. The alternative Epac/cAMP pathway and the MAPK pathway mediate hCG induction of leptin in placental cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46216. [PMID: 23056265 PMCID: PMC3462743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleiotropic effects of leptin have been identified in reproduction and pregnancy, particularly in the placenta, where it works as an autocrine hormone. In this work, we demonstrated that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) added to JEG-3 cell line or to placental explants induces endogenous leptin expression. We also found that hCG increased cAMP intracellular levels in BeWo cells in a dose-dependent manner, stimulated cAMP response element (CRE) activity and the cotransfection with an expression plasmid of a dominant negative mutant of CREB caused a significant inhibition of hCG stimulation of leptin promoter activity. These results demonstrate that hCG indeed activates cAMP/PKA pathway, and that this pathway is involved in leptin expression. Nevertheless, we found leptin induction by hCG is dependent on cAMP levels. Treatment with (Bu)2cAMP in combination with low and non stimulatory hCG concentrations led to an increase in leptin expression, whereas stimulatory concentrations showed the opposite effect. We found that specific PKA inhibition by H89 caused a significant increase of hCG leptin induction, suggesting that probably high cAMP levels might inhibit hCG effect. It was found that hCG enhancement of leptin mRNA expression involved the MAPK pathway. In this work, we demonstrated that hCG leptin induction through the MAPK signaling pathway is inhibited by PKA. We observed that ERK1/2 phosphorylation increased when hCG treatment was combined with H89. In view of these results, the involvement of the alternative cAMP/Epac signaling pathway was studied. We observed that a cAMP analogue that specifically activates Epac (CPT-OMe) stimulated leptin expression by hCG. In addition, the overexpression of Epac and Rap1 proteins increased leptin promoter activity and enhanced hCG. In conclusion, we provide evidence suggesting that hCG induction of leptin gene expression in placenta is mediated not only by activation of the MAPK signaling pathway but also by the alternative cAMP/Epac signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Lorena Maymó
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonio Pérez Pérez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular. Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
| | - Bernardo Maskin
- Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José Luis Dueñas
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, España
| | - Juan Carlos Calvo
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Víctor Sánchez Margalet
- Departamento de Bioquímica Médica y Biología Molecular. Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España
| | - Cecilia Laura Varone
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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27
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Scheetz D, Folger JK, Smith GW, Ireland JJ. Granulosa cells are refractory to FSH action in individuals with a low antral follicle count. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:327-36. [PMID: 22281079 DOI: 10.1071/rd11020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The reason ovarian function and fertility are diminished in women with a low antral follicle count (AFC), despite significant numbers of follicles remaining in ovaries, is unknown. The bovine model is unique to address this question because cattle and women with a low AFC exhibit similar phenotypic characteristics including a diminished ovarian reserve, reduced circulating concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) but heightened FSH secretion during reproductive cycles. Because women and cattle with a low AFC respond minimally to gonadotropin stimulation during IVF cycles or superovulation, granulosa cells in individuals with a low AFC are hypothesised to be refractory to FSH. The present study evaluates this hypothesis by testing whether capacity of granulosa cells to respond to FSH differs between cattle with a low and a high AFC. Granulosa cells from cattle with a low (≤15 follicles ≥3 mm in diameter) or a high (≥25 follicles) AFC were cultured with different doses of FSH. Treatments were evaluated by measurement of oestradiol (E), progesterone (P) and AMH in media and abundance of mRNAs for aromatase (CYP19A1), AMH, FSH receptor (FSHR) and oxytocin (OXT). Progesterone and OXT mRNA are well-established markers of granulosa cell luteinisation. Although high doses of FSH induced granulosa cell luteinisation, basal and FSH-induced increases in E and AMH production and expression of mRNAs for CYP19A1, FSHR and AMH in granulosa cells were much lower, while P production and OXT mRNA expression were higher in non-luteinised and luteinised granulosa cells from the low than the high AFC group. Granulosa cells in cattle with a low AFC are refractory to FSH action, which could explain why ovarian function, responsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation and fertility are diminished in individuals with a low versus a high AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Scheetz
- Molecular Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, 1230 Anthony Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1225, USA
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28
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Aggarwal A, Misro MM, Maheshwari A, Sehgal N. Differential modulation of apoptotic gene expression by N-acetyl-L-cysteine in Leydig cells stimulated persistently with hCG in vivo. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 348:155-64. [PMID: 21856376 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of NAC (150 mg/kg bw twice/week) action in vivo under repeated hCG (100 IU/rat/day) stimulation to adult rats. Leydig cell refractoriness led to a significant decline in serum testosterone and intracellular cAMP by day 30 of chronic hCG intervention which improved significantly following NAC co-administration. It inhibited the rise in lipid peroxidation, improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes along with intracellular glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in the target cells. Leydig cell apoptosis declined significantly (P<0.001) with down-regulation of upstream, Fas, FasL, caspase-8, Bax and caspase-9, JNK/pJNK and downstream caspase-3 and PARP. On the other hand, anti-apoptotic Bcl2, NF-kβ, and Akt were up-regulated. Taken together, the above findings indicate that the specificity of NAC action was not restricted to regulating marker proteins in the extrinsic and JNK pathways as seen in vitro but extended to include intrinsic pathway of metazoan apoptosis as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Aggarwal
- Department of Reproductive Biomedicine, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi 110067, India
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SATO S, HAYASHI T, KOBAYASHI E. Fine mapping the number of corpora lutea quantitative trait loci on SSC3: Analysis of the porcine follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene. Anim Sci J 2011; 82:633-41. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2011.00899.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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30
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Kuo SW, Ke FC, Chang GD, Lee MT, Hwang JJ. Potential role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and transforming growth factor (TGFβ1) in the regulation of ovarian angiogenesis. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:1608-19. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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31
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Ireland JJ, Smith GW, Scheetz D, Jimenez-Krassel F, Folger JK, Ireland JLH, Mossa F, Lonergan P, Evans ACO. Does size matter in females? An overview of the impact of the high variation in the ovarian reserve on ovarian function and fertility, utility of anti-Müllerian hormone as a diagnostic marker for fertility and causes of variation in the ovarian reserve in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011; 23:1-14. [DOI: 10.1071/rd10226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism whereby the inherently high variation in ovary size and the total number of high-quality oocytes in ovaries (ovarian reserve) impact on ovarian function and fertility, diagnostics to measure the size of the ovarian reserve and the factors that cause variation in the ovarian reserve are unknown. Our results show that cattle can be phenotyped reliably based on the number of antral follicles growing during follicular waves (antral follicle count, AFC). Young adult cattle with a consistently low v. a high AFC have smaller gonads, a markedly diminished ovarian reserve and many other phenotypic characteristics usually associated with ovarian aging and infertility. A powerful new approach based on a single measurement of serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is described to test the longstanding hypothesis that the size of the ovarian reserve is positively associated with fertility. Also, new evidence shows that maternal environment has a critical role in regulation of the high variation in the ovarian reserve and perhaps fertility in offspring. These results support the conclusion that the inherently high variation in the ovarian reserve, potentially caused by alterations in the maternal environment, has a negative impact on ovarian function that may result in suboptimal fertility in young adult cattle, and a single AMH measurement can be used reliably in future studies to determine if fertility is suboptimal in young adult cattle with low circulating AMH concentrations and a correspondingly diminished ovarian reserve.
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Wo ist die obere Grenze einer sinnvollen Gonadotropindosis bei Maßnahmen der ART. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-009-0342-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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33
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Jimenez-Krassel F, Folger J, Ireland J, Smith G, Hou X, Davis J, Lonergan P, Evans A, Ireland J. Evidence That High Variation in Ovarian Reserves of Healthy Young Adults Has a Negative Impact on the Corpus Luteum and Endometrium During Estrous Cycles in Cattle1. Biol Reprod 2009; 80:1272-81. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.075093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Maymó JL, Pérez Pérez A, Sánchez-Margalet V, Dueñas JL, Calvo JC, Varone CL. Up-regulation of placental leptin by human chorionic gonadotropin. Endocrinology 2009; 150:304-13. [PMID: 18787032 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Leptin, the 16,000 molecular weight protein product of the obese gene, was originally considered as an adipocyte-derived signaling molecule for the central control of metabolism. However, leptin has been suggested to be involved in other functions during pregnancy, particularly in placenta, in which it was found to be expressed. In the present work, we have found that recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) added to BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line showed a stimulatory effect on endogenous leptin expression, when analyzed by Western blot. This effect was time and dose dependent. Maximal effect was achieved at hCG 100 IU/ml. Moreover, hCG treatment enhanced leptin promoter activity up to 12.9 times, evaluated by transient transfection with a plasmid construction containing different promoter regions and the reporter gene luciferase. This effect was dose dependent and evidenced with all the promoter regions analyzed, regardless of length. Similar results were obtained with placental explants, thus indicating physiological relevance. Because hCG signal transduction usually involves cAMP signaling, this pathway was analyzed. Contrarily, we found that dibutyryl cAMP counteracted hCG effect on leptin expression. Furthermore, cotransfection with the catalytic subunit of PKA and/or the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein repressed leptin expression. Thereafter we determined that hCG effect could be partially blocked by pharmacologic inhibition of MAPK pathway with 50 microM PD98059 but not by the inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway with 0.1 microm wortmannin. Moreover, hCG treatment promoted MAPK kinase and ERK1/ERK2 phosphorylation in placental cells. Finally, cotransfection with a dominant-negative mutant of MAPK blocked the hCG-mediated activation of leptin expression. In conclusion, we provide some evidence suggesting that hCG induces leptin expression in trophoblastic cells probably involving the MAPK signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta L Maymó
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidas de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Tsai EM, Chan TF, Chen YH, Hsu SC, Chuang CY, Lee JN. Mifepristone attenuates human chorionic gonadotropin–induced extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E2 production in human granulosa luteal cells. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:1522-9. [PMID: 17889855 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2007] [Revised: 05/14/2007] [Accepted: 05/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the role of RU486 in regulating the function of granulosa luteal cells and its possible involvement in ovarian dysfunction. DESIGN An in vitro study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) Our subjects were women under the age of 40 who were unable to get pregnant as a result of male-factor infertility. INTERVENTION(S) HCG and RU486 were added to cultured granulosa luteal cells; after incubation for 12 hours, the harvested cells were subjected to total mRNA and protein measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot assay, immunocytochemistry, and enzyme immunoassay were performed. RESULT(S) RU486 attenuates hCG-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation and decreases the hCG-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in a dose-dependent manner. RU486 treatment had no significant effect on COX-1 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION(S) Treatments using gonadotropins are able to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation resulting in increased COX-2 protein expression and prostaglandin synthesis. RU486 attenuates the activation of ERK1/2, decreases the expression of COX-2, and affects PGE2 production by inhibiting hCG-induced COX-2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eing-Mei Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Kumar A, Mohanty BP, Rani L. Secretion of testicular steroids and gonadotrophins in hypothyroidism. Andrologia 2008; 39:253-60. [PMID: 18076426 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2007.00798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Inconsistent alterations in gonadal steroidogenesis and pituitary functions have been reported in hypothyroid males. We have compared the lipid and endocrine profiles of the euthyroid and hypothyroid [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) >100 mIU l(-1)] males. Hypothyroidism was found to be associated with an increase in the circulating level of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and a reduction in the levels of progesterone and testosterone, without any change in the serum levels of oestradiol and gonadotrophins. The failure of gonadotrophins to rise could be accounted by a normal level of serum oestradiol in the hypothyroid male. A mild hyperprolactinaemia was also noted in the hypothyroid patients. The reduction in serum testosterone level could be explained by (i) a reduced uptake of LDL-C by the Leydig cells and thereby a reduction in the synthesis of progesterone and consequentially testosterone, (ii) a further reduction in the rate of conversion of progesterone to testosterone, (iii) a higher rate of conversion of testosterone to oestradiol, (iv) a decrease in serum triiodothyronine and (v) hyperprolactinaemia. Rise in TSH needs to be investigated as a cause of the suppression of gonadal steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kumar
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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37
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Sleer LS, Taylor CC. Platelet-Derived Growth Factors and Receptors in the Rat Corpus Luteum: Localization and Identification of an Effect on Luteogenesis1. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:391-400. [PMID: 17108335 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.053934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) play a vital role in regulating cell growth and angiogenesis. In this study, the expression of the family of PDGFs and PDGFRs in the ovarian corpus luteum were identified and characterized, and an effect of their activity on development of the corpus luteum revealed. Gonadotropin-stimulated immature rats were utilized as a model of induced ovulation, luteogenesis, and pseudopregnancy. Levels of ovarian mRNA for Pdgfb and Pdgfd, and their receptor, Pdgfrb, increased significantly as early as 4 h after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection in immature rats primed with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Gonadotropin regulation of Pdgfb expression was confirmed by in vitro promoter-reporter assays, which showed a 2- to 3-fold increase in Pdgfb promoter activity in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). Inhibition studies implicated protein kinase A, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the LH-induced upregulation. In the corpus luteum, PDGFA, PDGFB, PDGFC, and PDGFRA were localized to a population of luteal parenchymal/steroidogenic cells. PDGFRB was expressed primarily in what appeared to be cells of the luteal microvasculature. Intraovarian injection of an inhibitor of PDGF receptor activity, the tyrphostin AG1295, prior to injection of hCG in eCG-primed immature rats resulted in a significant 21.86%+/-11.15% decrease in corpora lutea per treated ovary in comparison to the contralateral vehicle-injected control ovary. In addition, the treated ovary of 3 of 16 rats showed widespread hemorrhage throughout the entire ovary, indicating a possible role for PDGF receptor activity in maintenance of the ovarian vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne S Sleer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Vincent T. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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38
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Liu T, Wimalasena J, Bowen RL, Atwood CS. Luteinizing hormone receptor mediates neuronal pregnenolone production via up-regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression. J Neurochem 2007; 100:1329-39. [PMID: 17241129 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04307.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The functional consequences of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin signaling via neuronal luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptors expressed throughout the brain remain unclear. A primary function of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the gonads is the stimulation of sex steroid production. As LH can cross the blood-brain barrier, present in cerebrospinal fluid and is expressed by neuronal cells, we tested whether LH might also modulate steroid synthesis in the brain. Treatment of differentiated rat primary hippocampal neurons and human M17 neuroblastoma cells with LH (100 mIU/mL) resulted in a twofold increase in pregnenolone secretion in both cell types, suggesting an increase in P450scc-mediated cleavage of cholesterol to pregnenolone and its secretion from neurons. To explore how LH might regulate the synthesis of pregnenolone, the precursor for steroid synthesis, we treated rat primary hippocampal neurons with LH (0, 10 and 100 mIU/mL) and measured changes in the expression of LH receptor and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). LH induced a rapid (within 30 min) increase in the expression of StAR, but induced a dose-dependent decrease in LH receptor expression. Consistent with these results, the suppression of serum LH in young rats treated with leuprolide acetate for 4 months down-regulated StAR expression, but increased LH receptor expression in the brain. Taken together, these results indicate that LH induces neuronal pregnenolone production by modulating the expression of the LH receptor, increasing mitochondrial cholesterol transport and increasing P450scc-mediated cleavage of cholesterol for pregnenolone synthesis and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbing Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
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39
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Kumar A, Chaturvedi PK, Mohanty BP. Hypoandrogenaemia is associated with subclinical hypothyroidism in men. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 30:14-20. [PMID: 16879621 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2006.00705.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hypothyroidism has been shown to be associated with a reduction in serum testosterone level in males. This reduction in testosterone is reversible by thyroxine replacement therapy. However, to the best of our knowledge, it is not yet known, whether a similar reduction in serum testosterone level is observed in subclinically hypothyroid males [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) < 10 mIU/L] in whom the benefits of thyroxine replacement therapy are still controversial. Our goal was to investigate the putative connections between subclinical hypothyroidism and the circulating levels of gonadotrophins and gonadal steroids in males (mean age +/- SEM, 34.67 +/- 1.52 years; ranging from 20 to 54 years). The serum samples from patients showing normal euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroid profiles (TSH < 10 mIU/L) were further analysed for the levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, progesterone and oestradiol. Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with a decrease in the levels of serum testosterone and its precursor progesterone. The data suggest that serum testosterone declines because of the non-availability of its precursor progesterone. The level of oestradiol was similar in both the groups, suggesting a greater conversion rate of testosterone to oestradiol in subclinically hypothyroid males, in order to maintain the oestradiol levels. Prolactin levels were slightly but significantly increased in subclinical hypothyroidism. To the best of our information this is a novel report, which shows a direct association between subclinical hypothyroidism and hypoandrogenaemia. Testosterone deficiency and its symptoms should be kept in view while managing subclinical hypothyroidism in male patients. Further studies are needed in order to reveal the physiological and molecular mechanisms leading to hypoandrogenaemia in subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH < 10 mIU/L).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Kumar
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi - 110029, India.
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40
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Barbu AE, Pecht I. Desensitization of mast cells' secretory response to an immuno-receptor stimulus. Immunol Lett 2005; 100:78-87. [PMID: 16111771 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2005.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Revised: 05/31/2005] [Accepted: 06/24/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the desensitization process of responses to the type I receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI) is rather limited. We investigated whether mast cells' secretory response to this receptor's stimulus can be subjected to desensitization under protocols usually employed for hormonal or neural receptors, i.e. by excessive, prolonged or repetitive exposure to the stimulus. To study this we have employed the rat mucosal-type mast cells of the RBL-2H3 line, which enables a rigorous examination of the response to the FcepsilonRI stimulus. These cells exhibited a marked decrease of both, secretion of granule-stored and de novo synthesized mediators to an optimal stimulation, when first exposed to prolonged FcepsilonRI-IgE clustering by specific antigen (DNP(11)-BSA) or by the IgE specific mAb 95.3 at concentrations that are below the threshold of inducing secretion. The extent of desensitization depended on the employed concentrations of IgE and on the clustering agents, as well as on the length of the desensitization period. The levels of cell surface FcepsilonRI expression and of cell-bound IgE were determined following the desensitization period and no significant correlation has been observed between the extent of endocytosis and the observed desensitization. Thus, a different process, which interferes with FcepsilonRI stimulus-response coupling network, is responsible for the observed desensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina E Barbu
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel.
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41
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Munshi UM, Clouser CL, Peegel H, Menon KMJ. Evidence that palmitoylation of carboxyl terminus cysteine residues of the human luteinizing hormone receptor regulates postendocytic processing. Mol Endocrinol 2005; 19:749-58. [PMID: 15539429 DOI: 10.1210/me.2004-0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitoylation is a well-conserved posttranslational modification among members of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. The present study examined the role of palmitoylation in endocytosis and postendocytic trafficking of the human LH receptor (LHR). Palmitoylation of the LHR was determined by incorporation of [3H]palmitic acid into wild-type (WT) or mutant receptor in which the potential palmitoylation sites, C643 and C644, were mutated to glycine residues. The WT receptor showed incorporation of [3H]palmitic acid into the mature 90-kDa form of the receptor whereas mutation of the two Cys residues abrogated this incorporation, indicating that Cys 643 and C644 are the sites of palmitoylation. The role of palmitoylation on endocytosis and postendocytic processing was examined by testing the ability of the WT and mutant receptor to undergo internalization, recycling, and lysosomal degradation. Compared with the WT receptor, the mutant receptor showed increased internalization and decreased recycling, suggesting that retention of palmitic acid residues at Cys 643 and 644 promotes LHR recycling. The role of palmitoylation on receptor recycling was substantiated by demonstrating that a different mutant, D578H LHR, which is deficient in palmitoylation, also recycled less efficiently. Furthermore, the data show that palmitoylation, not the rate of internalization, determines the efficiency of recycling. The present study shows that palmitoylation of cysteine residues 643 and 644 of the human LHR is a determinant of recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utpal M Munshi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0617, USA
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42
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Caldas-Bussiere M, Garcia J, Barbosa J, Rosa e Silva A. Testosterona e gonadotrofina coriônica humana estimulam a esteroidogênese em células da granulosa de folículo pré-ovulatório de égua? ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2005. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352005000100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Avaliou-se o papel da gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) e da testosterona na produção de progesterona (P4) e 17beta -estradiol (E2) pelas células da granulosa cultivadas in vitro de folículo antral de égua. Os tratamentos usados foram: 1- controle (nenhum hormônio adicionado), 2- 1UI hCG (0,3mig/ml) e 3- 10UI hCG (3,0mig/ml). O tratamento com hCG foi realizado na presença ou não de testosterona (144ng/ml). O meio foi coletado e substituído com 0,25, 3, 6, 12, 24 e 144h de cultivo. As concentrações de P4 e E2 foram mensuradas por radioimunoensaio. Não se observou diferença entre os tratamentos 1 e 3 quanto à produção de P4 e E2; o tratamento 1 resultou em aumento da concentração de progesterona após 24h de cultura (P<0,01), mas somente em presença de testosterona. A concentração de estradiol aumentou em presença de testosterona, alcançando concentração máxima com 6h de cultura (P<0,01), e diminuiu gradativamente, até atingir a concentração observada com 0,25h de cultura. A adição de hCG não influenciou a síntese do estradiol. A testosterona desempenhou importante efeito estimulador na síntese/secreção doe E2 pelas células da granulosa e modulou a ação do hormônio luteinizante na diferenciação e luteinização das células da granulosa de folículo antral presumidamente pré-ovulatório de égua in vitro.
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43
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Méndez E, Montserrat N, Planas JV. Modulation of the steroidogenic activity of luteinizing hormone by insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I through interaction with the cAMP-dependent protein kinase signaling pathway in the trout ovary. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2005; 229:49-56. [PMID: 15607528 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2004.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2004] [Revised: 07/22/2004] [Accepted: 09/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the salmonid ovary, luteinizing hormone (LH) is the major gonadotropic hormone stimulating the production of steroids during the periovulatory period and its effects are mediated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling pathway. We have previously shown that the in vitro steroidogenic activity of LH in the salmonid ovary is inhibited by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) which, like insulin, has specific receptors in both theca and granulosa layers. In the present study, we have investigated the modulatory effects of insulin on salmon LH (sLH)-stimulated steroid production in preovulatory theca layers of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and the effects of both insulin and IGF-I on the sLH-stimulated cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Our results show that insulin, like IGF-I, blocked the stimulatory effects of sLH, dibutyryl cAMP and IBMX on testosterone (T) production but not those of sLH on cAMP production. Furthermore, insulin and IGF-I blocked the activation of PKA induced by sLH and these effects were correlated with changes in the total protein content of the catalytic (C) and type II regulatory (RII) subunits of PKA. Interestingly, insulin and IGF-I had different effects on total PKA subunit content since insulin potentiated the sLH-stimulated increase in RII subunit content whereas IGF-I blocked the sLH-stimulated increase in total C subunit content. The effects of insulin and IGF-I in trout theca layers appeared to be mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway because inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) activity completely blocked the inhibitory effects of insulin and IGF-I on the sLH-stimulated production of T and because insulin and IGF-I increased the total protein content of ERK1/2 in trout theca layers. Therefore, our results suggest that insulin and IGF-I, probably through the MAPK pathway, block the action of sLH in trout theca layers by modulating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Méndez
- Departament de Fisiologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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44
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Dorn C. FSH: what is the highest dose for ovarian stimulation that makes sense on an evidence-based level? Reprod Biomed Online 2005; 11:555-61. [PMID: 16409703 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61163-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The widely applied practice of a gonadotrophin dose increase in case of low response is not on an evidence-based level and not efficacious. All known comparative studies failed to show a difference in favour of the high-dose group regarding their pregnancy rate per embryo transfer. However if more oocytes and more embryos are available for cryopreservation, the real benefit in terms of cumulative pregnancy outcome might be with the high-dose regimen. This publication will show - as a review of the literature - that the frequent clinical practice of increasing the FSH dose does not lead to a higher pregnancy rate, which is in line with recommendation for milder stimulation regimes in IVF. Thus, the collective evidence to date would suggest that 150 IU/day to 250 IU/day of FSH or human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) is an appropriate starting dose for most women undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF as part of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist or a long GnRH agonist protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Dorn
- University of Bonn, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Division of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology, Germany.
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45
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Hirsh L, Ben-Ami I, Freimann S, Dantes A, Tajima K, Kotsuji F, Amsterdam A. Desensitization to gonadotropic hormones: a model system for the regulation of a G-protein-coupled receptor with 7-transmembrane spanning regions. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 326:1-6. [PMID: 15567144 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.10.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropic hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone exert their effect via activation of G-coupled receptors, which activate the hormone sensitive adenylyl cyclase, protein kinase A, and cyclic AMP responsive elements. This activation leads to specific de novo synthesis of steroidogenic factors and steroidogenic enzymes. In normal cells and following activation of this signaling pathway, desensitization period will be followed. This down-regulation, which was studied in detail for the last three decays, was found to take place at various steps of these signal transduction pathways as well as at different kinetics. A common and diverse feature of the mechanism of desensitization in other G-coupled-7-transmembrane receptor system is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Hirsh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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46
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Borromeo V, Amsterdam A, Berrini A, Gaggioli D, Dantes A, Secchi C. Characterization of biologically active bovine pituitary FSH purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2004; 139:179-89. [PMID: 15504397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2004.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2004] [Revised: 07/20/2004] [Accepted: 09/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A substantial amount of highly purified, biologically active bovine FSH was isolated from pituitary extracts by immunoaffinity chromatography based on a novel anti-bovine FSH beta-subunit monoclonal antibody. The biological activity was assessed in vitro using a steroidogenic granulosa cell line constitutively expressing the FSH receptor. Amino acid analysis, N-terminal amino acid sequencing, and peptide mass mapping demonstrated that primary structure modifications do not contribute to the heterogeneity of bovine FSH. The monosaccharide composition of the N-linked oligosaccharides was quantified and remarkably two distinct forms of sialic acids, N-acetyl- and N-glycolyl-neuraminic acids were found. In conclusion, we showed that isoform differences in bovine FSH is likely due only to sugar chain heterogeneity, and we give the first evidence that two substituted sialic acids contribute to the diversity of mammalian glycoprotein hormone isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaliano Borromeo
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Hygiene and Health, Biochemistry and Physiology Unit, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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47
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Freimann S, Ben-Ami I, Hirsh L, Dantes A, Halperin R, Amsterdam A. Drug development for ovarian hyper-stimulation and anti-cancer treatment: blocking of gonadotropin signaling for epiregulin and amphiregulin biosynthesis. Biochem Pharmacol 2004; 68:989-96. [PMID: 15313392 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2004.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2004] [Accepted: 05/05/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins play a crucial role in ovarian homeostasis and fertilization through the activation of the cAMP cascade. However, gonadotropin hyper-stimulation may be associated with higher risk for ovarian cancer development. It has been suggested, that high gonadotropin levels in peritoneal and ovarian cystic fluids of patients suffering from benign ovarian cysts, may lead to malignancy. Moreover, we have recently discovered that gonadotropin stimulation can activate the MAPK cascade in target cells. Using DNA microarray technology and RNA from human granulosa cells, we discovered that stimulation with saturating doses of gonadotropins dramatically elevates activity of genes coding for epiregulin and amphiregulin. These gene products can bind and activate the EGF receptor and ERBB4, which are associated with the development of various cancers such as ovarian, breast endometrial and other non-gynecological malignancies. Gonadotropin receptors are expressed not only in the gonads, but also in non-gonadal tissues and in cancer cells. The discovery that gonadotropins activate certain mitogenic signal transduction pathways, may serve as a guide for novel anti-cancer therapy by (1) specific interference at the receptor level to block the gonadotropic response, or arresting the receptor expression and (2) blocking downstream mitogenic signals generated by these hormones, like attenuation of the expression of epiregulin and amphiregulin that belong to the EGF family, using anti-sense and/or SiRNA techniques targeted to suppress their expression. Moreover, since amphiregulin and epiregulin act as mediators of luteinizing hormone (LH) action in the mammalian ovulatory follicles, regulation of the expression of these factors may open new possibilities in treatment of ovarian malfunction implicated with ovarian hyper-stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Freimann
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Rehovot, Israel
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48
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Menon KMJ, Munshi UM, Clouser CL, Nair AK. Regulation of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor expression: a perspective. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:861-6. [PMID: 14668203 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.024471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The LH/hCG receptor, a member of the G protein coupled receptor family mediates the cellular actions of LH in the ovary. A considerable amount of information regarding its structure, mechanism of activation, and regulation of expression has emerged in recent years. Here we provide a brief overview of the current information on the structural organization of the receptor and the mechanism of receptor mediated signaling as well as an in-depth discussion on recent developments pertaining to the regulation of receptor expression. Specifically, we describe studies from our laboratory showing that the posttranscriptional regulation of the receptor involves an LH/hCG receptor mRNA-binding protein. We also propose a model to explain the loss of steady-state LH/hCG receptor mRNA levels during receptor down-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M J Menon
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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49
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Sasson R, Dantes A, Tajima K, Amsterdam A. Novel genes modulated by FSH in normal and immortalized FSH-responsive cells: new insights into the mechanism of FSH action. FASEB J 2003; 17:1256-66. [PMID: 12832290 DOI: 10.1096/fj.02-0740com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) controls the development of follicle-enclosed oocytes in the mammalian ovary by interacting with specific receptors located exclusively on granulosa cells. Its biological activity involves stimulation of intercellular communication, intracellular signaling, and up-regulation of steroidogenesis; the entire spectrum of genes regulated by FSH is not yet fully characterized. We have established monoclonal rat FSH-responsive granulosa cell lines that express FSH receptors at 20-fold higher rates than with primary cells, and thus increased the probability of yielding a distinct spectrum of genes modulated by FSH. Using Affymetrix DNA microarrays, we discovered 11 genes not reported earlier to be up-regulated by FSH and 9 genes not reported earlier to be down-regulated by FSH. Modulation of signal transduction associated with G-protein signaling, phosphorylation of proteins, and intracellular-extracellular ion balance was suggested by up-regulation of decay accelerating factor GPI-form precursor (DAF), membrane interacting protein RGS16, protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase), oxidative stress-inducible protein tyrosine phosphatase (OSIPTPase), and down-regulation of rat prostatic acid phosphatase (rPAP), Na+, K+-ATPase, and protein phosphatase 1beta. Elevation in granzyme-like proteins 1 and 3, and natural killer (NK) cell protease 1 (NKP-1) along with reduction in carboxypeptidase E indicates possible FSH-mediated preparation of the cells for apoptosis. Up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factors indicates the ability of FSH to produce angiogenic factors upon their maturation; whereas, reduction in insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP3) indicates its increased potential to promote p53-induced apoptosis. Striking similarities in FSH modulation of gene expression were found in primary cultures of human granulosa cells obtained from IVF patients although these cells expressed only 1% of FSH receptor compared with immortalized rat cells, as indicated by microarray technique, which probably is in the normal range of expression of this receptor in nontransformed cells. These findings should increase our understanding of the mechanism of FSH action in stimulating development of the ovarian follicular cells, of intracellular and intercellular communication, and of increasing the potential of ovarian follicular cells to undergo apoptosis during the process of selection of the dominant follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravid Sasson
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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50
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Schmierer B, Schuster MK, Shkumatava A, Kuchler K. Activin a signaling induces Smad2, but not Smad3, requiring protein kinase a activity in granulosa cells from the avian ovary. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:21197-203. [PMID: 12665510 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m212425200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A signaling is an important regulator of ovarian granulosa cell function. The cytosolic signal transducer Smad2 is most highly expressed in chicken granulosa cells (cGC) of preovulatory follicles. Moreover, Smad2 shows predominant nuclear localization in freshly isolated cGC, indicating active Smad signaling in vivo. Primary cGC cultured in vitro require activin A to sustain high Smad2 levels, which otherwise drop dramatically in the absence of activin A. This activin A-dependent Smad2 expression is abrogated by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, suggesting a role for PKA in activin signaling. In the absence of activin A, strong PKA activators such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP fail to elicit Smad2 induction. However, FSH and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP boost activin A-dependent Smad2 up-regulation, giving rise to Smad2 levels similar to expression in vivo levels. Interestingly, the effect is specific for Smad2, since expression of the structurally and functionally closely related Smad3 remains entirely unaffected. Hence, activin A induces Smad2, but not Smad3, to high levels requiring PKA activation. Since Smad2 and Smad3 target distinct yet overlapping sets of TGF-beta/activin-responsive genes, the selective Smad2 induction by FSH/activin A could allow FSH to efficiently modulate the transcriptional readout of activin A signaling in avian granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Schmierer
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Genetics, University and BioCenter of Vienna, A-1030 Vienna, Austria.
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